# NTSB MIA91LA179: Cessna 182C, N8875T, Keystone Hghts, FL, July 5, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 5, 1991, 15:20 local (19:20 UTC)
- Place: Keystone Hghts, FL
- Coordinates: 29.780155, -82.030654 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.7802&lon=-82.0307&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 13, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 32896
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA91LA179
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/32896/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA91LA179

## Probable cause

TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION DUE TO FUEL SIPHONING OVERBOARD, AND FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO PERFORM AN ADEQUATE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION TO INSURE THE FUEL CAPS WERE SECURED. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS INCORRECT FUEL TANK QUANTITY GAUGES AND UNSUITABLE TERRAIN ENCOUNTERED DURING THE FORCED LANDING.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - fuel system,cap - loose (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - siphoning (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - engine instruments,fuel quantity gage - incorrect (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - fence
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - encountered, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED THAT BEFORE DEPARTURE THE FUEL TANKS WERE FILLED BUT HE DID NOT CHECK THE TANKS FOR QUANTITY OR THE CAPS FOR SECURITY. THE FLT DEPARTED & DURING CRUISE FLT, THE ENG QUIT DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION. DURING THE FORCED LANDING ON A RD, THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH A FENCE THEN TREES & CAME TO REST.  POSTCRASH EXAM OF THE ACFT BY AN FAA AIRWORTHINESS INSPECTOR REVEALED THAT FUEL SIPHONED OVERBOARD FROM THE LT FUEL TANK FILLER PORT DUE TO A DETERIORATED FUEL TANK CAP SEAL.  THE PLT FURTHER STATED THAT THE LT & RT FUEL QUANTITY GAUGES INDICATED 1/4 & 1/2 RESPECTIVELY WHEN THE ENG QUIT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8875T](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8875T), registered now, S/N 52775, built 1960 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 182C
- Registry model: [Cessna 182C](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-182c) (registry code 2072708) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental I0-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-i0-470-series) (registry code 17027, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 52775
- Airframe hours: 2480
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-L 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Berna, Charles W.
- Registered owner: Berna, Charles W.
- Last inspection: Annual, June 21, 1991, 4 hours before
- Departed: 4A7, HAMPTON, GA
- Destination: DED, DELAND, FL
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 285 total, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 0° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point -0 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19910705026449A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910705026449A), Jul 5, 1991: Cessna 182C, Keystone Hts, FL, Substantial damage. Engine quit due to fuel exhaustion. Struck fence and tree landing on road. Fuel siphoned from leaky fuel cap seal.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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